He has been excellent. His saves in the semi-final shoot-out against Holland proved that this is not a goalkeeper who is the weak link in the team. Romero is brave and focused and Germany will know that he will be ready for them if the final goes to another shoot-out.

In my opinion, Zabaleta is the best right‑back in the Premier League – his performances for Manchester City were vital in helping them to win the title last season – and he is maintaining that form at the World Cup. I also think he is a huge influence in the dressing room.

He is not necessarily one of the big stars in the team but Garay is improving with every game. Strong, pacy and organised, he will need to be at his best if he is to keep Germany’s attackers at bay – both from midfield and up front.

There has not been any sign of the nervous defender who had a wobble for Manchester City at the start of the Premier League season. He has looked like the player he was at Atlético Madrid once more: he was excellent against Holland in the semi-final.

A left-back of great strength and determination: Alejandro Sabella, the coach, will know that Rojo will not let him down although facing the likes of Lahm, Müller and Khedira down the German right will be a big challenge.

The replacement for the injured Ángel di María, the Benfica man filled big shoes admirably. Although a very different player to Di María, Pérez’s discipline and positional sense were vital against Holland. And they will be more so against the German midfield.

The Lazio man endured some heavy blows against Holland – he suffered more than most in a very physical game – and it is important that he recovers in time for the final. Biglia brings balance and control to the Argentina line-up.

The best defensive midfielder in the competition, his performances insisting that he belongs there and not at centre-back. Against Holland he was Argentina’s best player, his tackle to stop Arjen Robben in the closing moments is the reason why the team are in Rio. You also saw in the huddle before the shoot-out what a leader he is.

It is simple: if Argentina are to win then Messi must be near his best. I said before the tournament began that I believe he is a better player than Maradona, and nothing he has done in Brazil has altered that view.

His goal against Belgium in the quarter-final was crucial, and brilliantly taken. He works best when Lionel Messi is drawing some of the attention of the defence. Then Higuaín can strike. Plus he is excellent at applying the finishing touch to a Messi free-kick.